Arithmomantik

Arithmancy (or arithmomancy, from Greek arithmós, number, + manteía, divination) is the prediction by numbers — the most ancient form of numerology and the predecessor of Pythagorean numerology. Among the Chaldeans and Greeks, each letter had a numerical value, and the sum of names gave figures interpreted as portents.

Arithmancy vs. modern numerology

Although they share methods, there are differences:

Arithmancy — emphasis on divinatory oracle: which battle will be won, when the king will die, if the journey will be successful.
Modern numerology — emphasis on psychological self-knowledge.

Famous methods of antiquity

Chaldean numerology — 1 to 8 (the number 9 is sacred, not assigned). Letter-number table different from Pythagoras.
Pythagorean numerology — 1 to 9. Currently the most popular.
Hebrew gematria — used for esoteric reading of biblical texts and the Torah, central in Kabbalah.
Arabic abjad — letter-number system that influenced Islamic numerology.

Frequently asked questions

Did Pythagoras really 'invent' numerology?

Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BC) systematized previously existing ideas. The historical figure is partially legendary.

Why was 9 sacred for the Chaldeans?

Because 9 represents completeness (last digit). Each digit summed with 9 gives back itself (reducing).

Arithmomancy — The Art of Sacred Numbers

Arithmancy vs. modern numerology

Famous methods of antiquity

Frequently asked questions

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